Hypohalite compositions comprising a cationic polymer

Abstract

The invention relates to compositions and methods of treatment employing compositions including a cationic polyelectrolyte, without any anionic polyelectrolytes, so that no polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) is formed. In addition to not forming PECs, and being free of anionic water-soluble polymers (i.e., an anionic polyelectrolyte polymer that could form a PEC with the cationic polyelectrolyte), the composition is also free of random copolymers, block copolymers, coacervates, precipitates, and silicone copolymers. The composition may be a concentrate, to be diluted prior to use to treat a surface.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A composition consisting of:
 (a) a homopolymer of diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (“DADMAC”); 
 (b) 6.6% to 10.5% of an oxidant selected from the group consisting of a hypohalous acid, a hypohalite, and mixtures thereof; 
 (c) water; and 
 (d) optionally, an adjuvant selected from the group consisting of a fragrance, a hydrotrope, a colorant, a dye, a buffer, a chelating agent, an electrolyte, an anti-microbial agent, a solvent, a stain and soil repellent, a lubricant, an odor control agent, a perfume, a fragrance release agent, an acid, a base, a solubilizing material, a stabilizer, an anti-corrosion agent, a thickener, a defoamer, a cloud-point modifier, a preservative, a water immiscible solvent, an enzyme, and mixtures thereof; wherein 
 (e) the composition is free of anionic water-soluble polymers, random copolymers, block copolymers, coacervates, precipitates, and silicone copolymers; 
 (f) the composition does not form a polyelectrolyte complex; and 
 (g) the pH is between 11.6 and 12.2. 
 
     
     
       2. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises a base. 
     
     
       3. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises a buffer. 
     
     
       4. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises a fragrance. 
     
     
       5. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises a hydrotrope. 
     
     
       6. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises a chelating agent. 
     
     
       7. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises an anti-corrosion agent. 
     
     
       8. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises a thickener. 
     
     
       9. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises a colorant.